Rappels in volcanic rock beats the usual beach day. This Los Arcos canyoning tour takes you into the Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche for a guided day of controlled abseiling, with the canyon’s orange-and-moss rock and volcanic history doing most of the scenery work for you. I especially like the small group size (max 8), and I love that the focus stays on doing it safely while you learn technique on the way down.

There is one big consideration: this is for people who are okay with heights. If you’re nervous about rappels, or you have back/heart/epilepsy concerns, this tour isn’t for you—plan on a day that involves steep exposure and getting wet-ish at times (at least cold air and possible rain gear weather).

5 Key Things You’ll Notice on Los Arcos Canyoning

• Eight rappels down the canyon, starting with a first drop of about 22 meters
• A dry canyon approach that still feels wild, because the rock is dramatic and close
• Volcanic ash + erosion created the canyon over time, and the guide points out what you’re seeing
• Orange canyon walls with moss and shifting light—this is the photo theme for the whole trip
• Guides often include Jorge (and one review mentions Chorche), and they’re big on patient instruction

Los Arcos Canyoning in Tenerife: Why This Dry Canyon Feels Different

Tenerife has plenty of adventure options, but Los Arcos is special because it’s not just a walk to a viewpoint. It’s a working canyon day—descending rock walls on rope, with a real sense that you’re moving through a landscape shaped by volcanoes.

What makes it feel different is the color. You’ll spend the day with warm orange rock that’s softened by moss and broken into narrow passages. The canyon was formed over time by volcanic ash accumulation and erosion, so it’s not random rock scenery—it’s a story you can see with your own eyes as you go down.

And this tour keeps the experience grounded. You get gear, a safety briefing, and a guided descent where technique matters. So even if it’s your first time, you’re not “winging it.” You’re learning while the canyon does the show.

The 6-Hour Plan: From Mirador de La Bermeja to the Final Walkout

This outing runs about 6 hours from meeting to return, and it’s built around a steady rhythm: hike in, learn and descend, then hike out.

Start at the Mirador de La Bermeja. You’ll meet your guide there, then you’ll head toward the canyon area. Plan to arrive ready for instructions and gear checks.

Next comes a 15-minute safety briefing, the kind that matters because you’ll be doing multiple rappels. This isn’t just “stand here, look cool.” You’ll go over how to manage rope, your body position, and how the group moves through the canyon.

Then you hit the canyon approach. You’ll walk for about 45 minutes on a forest track with a gentle slope. It’s a good warm-up: you get moving, you start feeling the terrain, and you’ll be mentally ready for the first drop.

The descent is where the day clicks into gear:

• The first rappel starts at about 22 meters
• After that, you’ll do 8 rappels total as you move through the Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche
• During the descent, you’ll see the canyon’s structure and the mossy orange walls in changing light
• When you finish the last rappel, you’ll reach the Chimoche track, and the descent phase ends

Finally, you walk back to the starting point. Expect around 30 minutes on foot for the return. It’s long enough to let your legs recover, but short enough that the day still feels like one continuous adventure.

Rope Time: How Safety and Instruction Make or Break the Day

Canyoning lives or dies on the guide. The good news here: the vibe from recent trips is consistent—people felt comfortable, equipment was in good condition, and instruction was clear.

In particular, many groups report working with Jorge, and one review mentions Chorche. What’s common across them is the same theme: safety is active, not passive. You can expect your guide to check your setup and help you get your technique right before you commit to bigger drops.

The tour design also supports first-timers. Reviews describe it as beginner-friendly in the sense that you learn the basics and get the time you need to feel steady before you go higher. You’ll still do technical passages (one review specifically notes single rope technique), but you’re taught how to move through them.

Here’s what you should take seriously before you go:

• You must be comfortable with rappelling steps that feel exposed
• You need to be able to follow instructions in motion
• You’ll be climbing/descending on uneven rock, so your boots matter

Also: gear is included, and some reviewers noted that they could even double-check equipment themselves. That extra control helps your confidence, especially on your first rappel.

Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche: The Views and the Geology You Can Actually See

The canyon isn’t just pretty—it’s readable. You’ll be able to connect the visuals to the way the canyon formed.

As you start descending, you can observe how volcanic ash accumulation and erosion have shaped the passages. The canyon walls show texture and layering, and the guide often shares what you’re looking at while you’re still in motion. That matters because if someone explains geology only at the end, you forget it. Here, it’s tied to what your eyes are doing in real time.

Then there are the colors and surfaces:

• Orange rock tones throughout the rappels
• Moss-covered walls that make the canyon feel older and more alive than plain rock
• Light that changes as you angle between drops and ledges, giving you a different look on each rappel

One reviewer even described it as secret nature you have to see firsthand—not just a dry canyon from a distance. I’d put it this way: it’s the kind of place where even if you’re focusing on safety, you can’t stop noticing the textures.

Small “nature moments” can happen too. One review mentioned a minor rain of small rocks, which added some extra spice. That’s not something you can count on, but it’s a reminder that you’re moving through a real canyon environment.

What to Wear and Bring: Staying Warm, Dry, and Stable

You’re going to rappel and walk. That means you need gear that handles both rope movement and uneven ground. The tour provides equipment, but your clothing choices are on you.

Bring:

• Warm clothing (temperatures in canyon time can surprise you)
• Rain gear (plan for wet weather possibilities)
• Water
• Food (there’s no meal included)
• Hiking shoes that can handle traction
• A daypack
• Long pants are listed as long pants, and another note says long trousers are optional—either way, you’ll likely be happier with protection on your legs

Footwear rules are strict enough to matter:

• You’re only allowed hiking shoes or trail running shoes.
• If you don’t have proper boots, you can request hiking boots for rent by contacting the provider.

Also, don’t ignore small safety friction points. One review warned about stinging nettle in the area, so you’ll want to keep your hands/legs protected and watch where you step during the approach and any walking sections.

Not allowed:

• Smoking
• vaping

If heights make you tense, wear clothing that lets you move freely and doesn’t restrict your legs during rope steps. Your goal is calm, not wrestling your outfit.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is an active day. It’s also very clearly defined as not for everyone.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 13
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• People with epilepsy
• People afraid of heights
• People over 65
• People over 243 lbs (110 kg)

So who should go? It’s ideal if you want:

• A real canyoning experience with multiple rappels
• A guided day that teaches technique rather than just showing off
• An outdoor activity where the scenery is tight and close, not far away

If you’re a reasonable hiker who can handle exposed moments and follow instructions, you’ll likely enjoy the challenge. If you’re looking for “adventure with zero fear,” this isn’t it.

Photos, Insurance, and the Little Extras That Make It Feel Worth It

Included in the price:

• A canyoning guide
• All canyoning equipment
• Photos of your experience
• Accident insurance

Those inclusions matter more than people think. Rope days can be hard to enjoy if you’re constantly managing gear logistics. Here, equipment is handled, and photos mean you don’t have to drop your focus to capture every rappel.

Guides also tend to add context. Many reviews highlight stories about the canyon’s formation and local flora and fauna. One person even mentioned that Jorge shared eating and drinking tips, including the local Barraquito. That kind of add-on doesn’t change the canyon itself, but it helps you connect your adventure to the island once you’re back out in the world.

The group is also capped at 8 participants, which tends to help with pacing and attention—especially during the moments when you’re learning how to place yourself on rope.

Price and Value: Is $82 a Good Deal?

At $82 per person for about 6 hours, you’re paying for more than “a guided hike.” You’re paying for:

• a professional canyoning guide
• rope-based technical activity
• all equipment
• accident insurance
• and photos after the fact

If you compare that to the cost of booking multiple separate experiences in Tenerife—transport, gear rentals, and trained instruction—this price looks fair. Also, the small group size helps justify it: fewer people per guide often means more real teaching time.

That said, the tour isn’t fully self-contained. You’ll need to cover food and drinks yourself, so budget for snacks and water. Bring what you’ll actually eat, not what you hope you’ll find later.

Should You Book Los Arcos Canyoning Tour in Tenerife?

If you want a memorable Tenerife highlight that’s physical, guided, and visually unique, I’d book it. The orange-and-moss canyon walls, the volcanic geology, and the fact you do 8 rappels with instruction make it more than a “look at rocks” day.

Book with confidence if:

• you’re comfortable with heights and rope steps
• you can follow safety instructions closely
• you’re ready for hiking plus cold/wet-possible conditions

Skip it if:

• heights make you panic
• you fit any of the listed medical or age limits
• you’re not prepared for active outdoors time (dry canyon approach plus descent)

One more practical nudge: plan your arrival to the Mirador de La Bermeja carefully. If you’re driving from the north, the tour notes TF-21 toward El Teide and warns that some GPS routes can involve very steep, narrow shortcuts—so give yourself extra time.

If your schedule is flexible, the tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and lets you reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if you’re still locking in the rest of your island days.

In short: this is a strong choice for travelers who want adrenaline with real guidance, in a canyon that looks like it was carved on purpose for photos and for learning how rappelling feels when you do it right.

FAQ

How long is the Los Arcos canyoning tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours total.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet your guide at the Mirador de La Bermeja.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a canyoning guide, all canyoning equipment, photos of your experience, and accident insurance.

Do I need to bring food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring what you’ll need for the day.

What footwear is allowed?

You’re required to use hiking shoes or trail running shoes. Hiking boots can be rented if you request them from the provider.

Is this tour suitable for children and seniors?

It is not suitable for children under 13 or for people over 65.